Knitting motto

My little knitting guide, CraftDoodling Designs News, etc.

Some of you might have seen this little 'bio' on my Ravelry or Instagram pages:

"I like to wear what I knit and knit what I would love to wear. I use the same philosophy in my designs."

I know—it sounds a bit bland and generic. Even silly. I mean, why else would someone knit, if not to be worn (by themselves or by someone else)? And isn't it obvious that one should design things they love? 💕

That's true, but there's more to it.

When I came up with that bio years ago, I was thinking about what I wanted to do with my knitting and simply wrote down what felt most true to me. But over time, I’ve realized it has also served as a compass 🧭 to guide my knitting journey.

In my early knitting years, I worked mostly with heavier-weight yarns. But when I noticed I wasn’t wearing those knits as often as I’d imagined, I started paying attention to thinner yarns. Yes, they felt fiddly and took forever to knit, but they also produced a finer fabric, 🧣 making the pieces more wearable.

Heavier-weight handknits still have a place in my wardrobe, particularly as outer layers. 🧥I prefer them sleeveless or with ¾-length sleeves, considering the climate I live in. Right now, I’m designing with Little Skein Targhee Worsted. The yarn is so soft, round, and has a lovely, robust anti-pill quality with great stitch definition.

Mika Vest in progress - ready to pick up armhole stitches

I’m really enjoying the stitch pattern and the fabric, and I’m planning some lovely finishing details.🪡

Ah, those finishing details! I used to dread them. Why call them "finishing" when they almost seem to take an eternity? But thanks to my little knitting motto—"knit what I would love to wear"—I developed patience for these final touches and even began seeking out finishing details that would make me want to wear my handknits again and again.💖

I love a lot of stitch patterns; they’re great for challenging your skills. Knitters often treat them like little puzzles 🧩 to solve, and most of us can follow a stitch pattern and knit a swatch. But when choosing one for a design, I like to think about how functional it is, how easy it is to execute, the fabric it produces, and whether that fabric makes sense for the design.

Following this guide has also saved me from negatively comparing myself to others, whether in real life or on social media. What works for them may not work for me—and that’s okay. I won’t beat myself up about it.🤷🏽

That said, I’m not completely immune to impulsively starting new knitting or craft projects and buying materials on a whim. 👛But now, with my motto in mind, I ask myself: Will this yarn or project end up as something I (or my loved ones) will really wear or enjoy? Do I already have something in my stash that will work?

Do you have a motto that serves you well in your knitting life? I’d love to hear about it. 💞

To let me know you liked what you read, you can also press the little heart icon at the bottom of the newsletter. ♥️ However, if you are clicking it from your inbox, you might have to wait until Substack opens in a browser and make sure the heart icon is indeed red. Thanks! 🥰

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CRAFTDOODLING DESIGNS UPDATES

1. I am excited to be teaching two classes at Lambtown this year. Will I see you there? 😊

2. Spots open in my finishing techniques class in October based on my design Matte Hood at Fillory Yarn.

3. I have been preparing for upcoming classes and working on my new designs. I will keep you posted as they progress.

4. My Almas Mitts pattern testing is almost over and I can’t wait to share it with you soon. 💗

   

   Almas Mitts - Currently under testing

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   FEATURED PATTERN

   Ansh Cowl is a versatile accessory that can live in your wardrobe and can easily be thrown over any outfit for an instant update. It uses one skein of DK weight yarn and features knit-purl rows and mesh stripes.

   

   Ansh is available for download from Ravelry and Payhip.💝

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   OTHER THINGS YOU MIGHT LIKE

5. Reading Updates

   1. Just finished Reading 📖

      Crunch Time - Diane Mott Davidson

   2. Currently Reading 📖

      A Death in Cornwall - Daniel Silva

6. We have been enjoying this Crispy Tofu Slabs and Cabbage Slaw for some time in our home. I thought I might mention it here. :)

   Until next time,

   Kavitha. ♡

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     https://www.ravelry.com/designers/kavitha-raman

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